Houses in Multiple Occupation

The definition of Houses in Multiple Occupation for housing purposes changed in 2006.

Most student-shared houses are now included as HMOs.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) introduced 29 hazard categories for officers to consider when inspecting all residential properties.

Licensing of HMOs
Landlords of larger HMOs that are three storeys or more with five or more occupants need to apply to the council for a mandatory licence. The licence holder must be a "fit and proper person".

What is the application process?
You can download an application form below.
Licences will be granted if:

• the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
• the applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
• the proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• the management arrangements are satisfactory.

Is a fee payable for a HMO Licence?
A fee is payable for this licence. The actual fee charged depends on the number of letting units and other matters. Please download the fee document below.

Is there an appeal process?
Please contact AVDC in the first instance.
Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.

Consumer complaints
If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a residential property tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
For those landlords whose properties do not fall within the critera for mandatory licensing you are still affected by HHSRS.
This is the government's new method for weighing up risks to health and safety in dwellings. It is a method by which housing professionals may identify hazards and assess the likelihood of harm.

There are 29 hazard profiles in total. Should significant hazards be identified an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Order may be served or another course of action taken. Download the HHSRS guidance below.

Date Updated: 20/10/11

Downloads:

File name	Summary	File size / Download time	File Format
Microsoft Word Viewer is available FREE of charge. You can download it directly from Microsoft's website by clicking the link to the right. Once on Microsoft's website, follow the instructions on screen to install the latest version of Microsoft Word Viewer.
HMO licence application		951KB 56Kbps Modem: 2 Minutes 18 Seconds Broadband : Less than 1 Minute
HMO licence fees		24KB 56Kbps Modem: Less than 1 Minute Broadband : Less than 1 Minute
HMO Guidance Notes		98KB 56Kbps Modem: Less than 1 Minute Broadband : Less than 1 Minute